How to Remove Arterial Plaque
According to an article published by the United States Federal Government in 2008, "Heart Disease a Leading Cause of Death Worldwide," heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. This health issue occurs when there are abnormal levels of lipids in the blood, causing plaque to form on the artery walls. Having regular physical exams can uncover this problem, since the doctor can often hear abnormalities in the heart in a person with cardiovascular disease. Once the problem is discovered, the patient will need to partner with the physician to determine the best course of treatment.
Instructions
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Get a referral to a surgeon, who will assess the severity of arterial plaque and determine if surgery is required, or if monitoring the problem is sufficient.
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Ask about carotid endarterectomy if the surgeon decides the arterial plaque needs to be removed surgically. During this procedure, you'll receive general anesthesia. The surgeon will then put a catheter in place to reroute the blood while the arterial plaque inside the artery is being removed. Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will remove the catheter and close up the area of the insertion.
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Find out about angioplasty and stetting. This procedure is preferred by most surgeons because it's less invasive then carotid endarterectomy. After administering numbing medication to the patient, the surgeon passes a guided wire through a catheter to remove the blockage, which allows for the removal of arterial plaque and proper blood flow.
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Tips & Warnings
Take measures to prevent future plaque in the arteries. Making dietary changes can minimize the chances of future issues. Recommended changes include: increasing fiber intake as well as monounsaturated fats, and eating more foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Also, patients will need to reduce saturated and trans fats in the diet; doing so can lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce buildup in the arteries.
Don't ignore subtle symptoms. Common symptoms of coronary artery build up include pain in the chest and discomfort during physical activity. Also, shortness of breath can be a sign that your heart isn't getting enough blood. After getting arterial plaque removed, make sure to seek immediate medical attention if you have these symptoms.
